And so, on the last week of summer, I’m bringing you a bowl of sunshine, omega 3’s and lean protein to power you through the last week of bikini’s, jumping through the sprinklers, bike rides, sun tans and popsicles.

Don’t worry, autumn will be just as fun.

And I’ve gotta lot of recipes coming your way to make your fall spectacular. (I’ll be cooking quinoa and introducing you to a few more chia seed recipes, too).

Standby for more on that later.

I whipped up a batch of quinoa and topped it with my favorite nuts and seeds. Chia seeds are my new go-to source of protein when I’m in a rush and can’t cook up a real meal.

Slivered almonds are almost too good to be true.

Seriously. Put a bag of these babies near me and I won’t let go.

NOT. Kidding.

I can’t stop at one. Wait, who eats one? I toss a handful in my mouth at a time. Kinda like my dad’s style of eating nuts. Not lady-like but hey, who’s watching? It’s just me in my kitchen dancing to Bruce Springstein anyway.

Ha. I wish you guys could all come cook with me.

I have way too much fun by myself.

Anyway, just make this quinoa. Or at least pretend to make it.

It’ll make you smile. Why?

Well, just the fresh scent of freshly grated lemon is enough to bring back all those good ol’ summer memories from back in the day.

Ahhhh yes.

The good ol’ days.

Make it. Tell me about it. And make it again.

You’ll want to. I know you will.

Add your own spin if you wanna. Like walnuts? Well, why not toss those to the bowl? Hate almonds? I think you’re crazy but add pistachios if you’d rather have them instead. I won’t judge.

I’ve recently started adding chia seeds to EVERYTHING, including my son’s cereals on days I’m not up for cooking breakfast. This sounds delicious, and I bet the lemon makes it even better!!! This would be a great snack/meal idea to make in advance to have for myself and my son to take with us to the park, the lake, or the pumpkin patch this fall. Love!! <3